A document describes a radio communication system being developed for exchanging data and sharing data-processing capabilities among spacecraft flying in formation. The system would establish a high-speed, low- latency, deterministic loop communication path connecting all the spacecraft in a cluster. The system would be a wireless version of a ring bus that complies with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1393 (which pertains to a spaceborne fiber-optic data bus enhancement to the IEEE standard developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Every spacecraft in the cluster would be equipped with a ring-bus radio transceiver. The identity of a spacecraft would be established upon connection into the ring bus, and the spacecraft could be at any location in the ring communication sequence.
In the event of failure of a spacecraft, the ring bus would reconfigure itself, bypassing a failed spacecraft. Similarly, the ring bus would reconfigure itself to accommodate a spacecraft newly added to the cluster or newly enabled or re-enabled. Thus, the ring bus would be scalable and robust. Reliability could be increased by launching, into the cluster, spare spacecraft to be activated in the event of failure of other spacecraft.
This work was done by Brian Cox of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
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Refer to NPO-45379, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Cluster Inter-Spacecraft Communications
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that discusses advancements in the simulation of stochastic processes, particularly in the context of Monte Carlo simulations. It introduces a novel approach that incorporates a feedback mechanism from the Liouville equation into ordinary differential equations (ODEs), allowing for the simulation of randomness in a structured manner.
The core of the document revolves around the mathematical formulation of probability density functions and their evolution over time. It presents equations that define how these densities can be manipulated to achieve desired stationary distributions. The analytical solutions provided demonstrate how initial conditions can lead to specific outcomes, emphasizing the convergence to prescribed distributions.
One significant aspect of the research is the introduction of non-Newtonian dynamics, which exhibit properties such as self-generated randomness and the entanglement of different samples from the same stochastic process. This is achieved through a feedback mechanism that links the Liouville equation to the equations of motion, drawing parallels to concepts in quantum mechanics. The document highlights that while traditional Newtonian physics does not couple equations of motion with the Liouville equation, this new approach allows for such interactions, leading to richer dynamics.
The document also discusses the implications of these findings for various applications, particularly in aerospace technology, where understanding and simulating complex stochastic processes can enhance communication systems between spacecraft. The research is positioned within the broader context of NASA's innovative partnerships and technology transfer initiatives, aiming to make aerospace-related developments accessible for wider technological, scientific, and commercial applications.
In summary, this Technical Support Package outlines a groundbreaking method for simulating stochastic processes through a unique integration of feedback mechanisms in mathematical modeling. It presents a significant advancement in understanding randomness in dynamic systems, with potential applications in aerospace communications and beyond. The research reflects JPL's commitment to pioneering technologies that can transform scientific exploration and practical applications in various fields.
